The End to 11 Boil Water Advisories in Slate Falls First Nation

The End to 11 Boil Water Advisories in Slate Falls First Nation

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, joined Slate Falls First Nation Chief Lorraine Crane and representatives of the federal and provincial governments to celebrate the opening of the community’s new water treatment plant today. Legal counsel to NAN and Grand Chief Fiddler, Julian Falconer also attended the opening, piloting Falconair to Slate Falls First Nation.

In NAN’s new release Grand Chief Fiddler stated, “Slate Falls has struggled for 12 years to secure this project that will finally provide safe, reliable supplies of drinking water and I acknowledge the determination of Chief and Council to make this project a reality. This vital infrastructure investment has eliminated 11 drinking water advisories in NAN, and shows that the federal government is serious about fulfilling its commitment to end all water advisories in First Nation communities. We are pleased to celebrate this milestone and look for continued investments from the federal government for infrastructure projects to ensure that all First Nations in NAN territory have access to safe drinking water.”

Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott and officials from the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Relations attended the opening of the new water treatment plant and distribution system.

Until now, water in Slate Falls First Nation has been distributed by 11 pump houses, built in 1998. All of these pump houses have been under a drinking water advisory (DWA) since 2004. Located approximately 550 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Slate Falls First Nation represents about 30 per cent of DWAs in NAN First Nations, 14 per cent of DWAs in Ontario, and 8 per cent of DWAs in First Nations across Canada.

Chief of NAPS, Terry Armstrong (left) and NAN Health Advisor, Sol Mamakwa (back left) along with Julian Falconer (right) are all aboard Falconair en route to Slate Falls to celebrate the opening of their new water treatment plant

Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott Speaking

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler (left) and Chief Lorraine Crane

Julian Falconer (left) and Chief Lorraine Crane

The end to 11 boil water advisories in Slate Falls First Nation: March 6, 2018